A quick post to Catch up!

Ok, so this is my last "past" post! From now on, I am going to keep caught up on my blogging... to cherish and remember all the moments with our family as they happen. So heres a toast to the last 6 weeks  with our little Taytum!

Bringing Taytum home was so fun. We have learned that I am the one to feed him (obviously) and Logan is THE BEST at burping! I couldn't do it without him!

Here is a quick timeline of Taytums first 6 weeks.

 Taytum watched his first Flames Game!

And the Flames won... Taytum must be good luck!

He met a ton of his cousins - here are just a couple :)

 We tried to catch up on some sleep!!

.. or not...

  Shopping around... mommy's favourite!

On February 20.. Family Day.. Logan, Taytum and I went to Heritage Park with Blake, Chyna-Rose and their two adorable kids (our Niece & Nephew), Ivy Jean & Brock! We hula-hooped...

... and played dress up...

It was a perfect way to spend Family Day!

We have enjoyed wonderful Family dinners and this past week Taytum was able to meet even more of his cousins.

One of my most favourite moments of Taytum's first 6 weeks was his beautiful baby blessing which was on Sunday February 5th.

It was crazy busy and so amazing at the same time. Logan blessed Taytum along with Taytum's Uncles - Jordan, Dallas, Weston and Brian and Taytum's Papa. It was a moment I'll never forget.

After the blessing, Logan and I had an open house with treats and sandwiches and had our closest friends and family over to celebrate this beautiful day!

 It was a success!! And lets not forget Taytum's first Super Bowl!

The sweet little expression on the left is what we like to call... "The Poop Face!" ... we always know we will need a diaper when we see that sweet expression!

The one on the right is leading up to a big smile! I love those expressions. I love his big smile.. and recently he has started to giggle!! It is the best sound in the world.... along with his snoring... yes.. thats right.. Taytum snores! Every time he sleeps... we love it!

I am loving my life as a mommy. Sure its challenging at times... but I learn so much through those challenges and it brings me closed to my little guy! I Love you Taytum.

First Week Bliss

On January 13, 2012, we went to Auntie Christina's house for a photoshoot! Taytum was so good... aside from having 1 explosive poop on Daddy... all was well.

Here are a couple of our favourite shots from the night.

Our first week was exhausting, but so full of love. Taytum finally started enjoying bath time and was so strong from day 1! He is already really good at holding his head up! In the first week we dealt with many diaper changes, sleepless nights, nursing issues and doctors appointments, and it happened to be the week of -30.. FREEZING! But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Our birth story

On January 6, 2012 my dream of a little baby boy came true! 

Taytum Walker Ausmus came into our lives at 12:10pm. Weighing in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and 20 inches long.

Here is how this perfect little life became our reality.

I was scheduled to be induced on Jan.6 2012. I had my birth plan all worked out. I had always wanted to have a natural birth; without any medication. So being induced was not something that I was looking forward to, but I was also done with being pregnant.
I woke up that morning at 1:30 am with contractions. I decided that I should let Logan sleep as long as possible so I went and sat in the shower and tried to stay relaxed. I was so excited to get to the hospital but was afraid that they would send me home saying that I wasn't in active labor; so I sat there waiting for things to get worse. By 2:30am it was really starting to get intense and I decided that I better wake up Logan so that he was in the loop. I have never seen Logan wake up that fast in my life. He jumped out of bed and was at my side in a second. He was trying to help me get ready, as fast as possible in between my contractions which at this point were about 3 minutes apart and lasting for about 2 minutes each. He helped me to the car which I have to admit when you are 3 flights up in an apartment building and have very painful contractions this is no easy task. We got to the hospital just before 3:30 am, I only had to wait for about 15 minutes before they checked me and let me know I was about 3cm dilated and that they wouldn't be sending us home. Logan called my mom and she was on her way. The nurses helped get me into the shower on the birthing ball, which is where I spent most of my time. Logan never left my side and was willing to sacrifice his hand to get me through the contractions. Mom arrived at 4:30am; my contractions were now between 2-3 minutes apart; and getting stronger.

All I remember thinking was that there was no way to get ready for this pain. I wanted to climb the walls, literally. It's like you are neck deep in it and if you could just climb out it would be so much better.

The nurses came in and checked me at 10:00am and told me that I was 5 cm dilated, which was exciting. At  this point my water hadn't broken yet so they decided that this would be a good way to get things moving. They broke my water and boy did it ever get things moving. Everything seemed to be getting way more intense by the minute. They suggested that I try walking down the hall and back, which was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. OMG..... that was a long hallway.I was in so much pain that I wasn't able to find any position to that could relieve it. Mom and Logan were both trying to help me anyway that they could. From massaging my back to letting me lean into them, but nothing seemed to be helping. In between contractions the nurse was asking if I wanted to go ahead and get an epidural. I turned her down again and again, until I couldn't take it anymore and finally agreed during one of my contractions. Logan was in full support and said that he was fine with me changing the birth plan. Our nurse went to find out where the anesthesiologist was, as it turned out he was busy and I had to wait for about half an hour before he was able to come. It was a long half hour.....at around 10:30am,  he made it and gave me the epidural. I remembered it hurt more then a tattoo and way more then a bee sting; but the relief that I had after was amazing. I remember after having it,  I felt like a total failure. That I had given up and left my birth plan. That I wasn't strong enough to do it. Logan and mom were my rock. Logan said that he wasn't disappointed in me and that he was very proud that I was able to make it that far.

At 11:30am our nurses came in to make sure that I was still progressing and told me that I was 6 cm dilated.

Since I was calmed down and in way less pain, mom and Logan both took turns and went down to the cafeteria and had breakfast. My contractions didn't slow down one bit, however they turned into pressure not pain, totally doable.  The nurses came in to check my progress at 11:30am and told me that I was 9cm dilated and that we should try a couple of practice pushes.

Each time I pushed Taytum's heart rate dropped to the 50s & 60s. It worried the doctors so they wanted to "hurry" things and use forceps.

A few minutes later I was  10cm dilated and our doctor had us start pushing with forceps. It only took 10 minutes and our little miracle was here.

Our little Taytum was born at 12:10pm on January 6, 2012. He weighed in at 7lbs 10oz and was 20" long.

He was deemed healthy. It turns out that the reason his heart rate dropped was because his cord was wrapped around his left arm twice, right at his shoulder.

The minute they put Taytum on my belly I instantly started to cry. We were so relieved and happy that our baby boy was here and was healthy. Logan cut the cord and we fell in love. 

My Mom was there though my labour & delivery. She told me that it was the most amazing thing to watch your grandchild be born. She was so helpful to me and Logan and I am grateful she was there. 

Papa Ausmus was next to visit. He was there waiting for us in postpartum. Logan had asked him to pick up some flowers on his way over for me. It was a special moment. 

The first time Logan held Taytum was like my world whole world was right there... in one set of arms. 

The next 27 hours we spent at the hospital.. trying to figure everything out. Taytum had his first bath at 6:00am on January 7th. He HATED it! 

The poor little guy cried and cried and cried... and I couldn't wait to put him back in my arms. He started feeling better when he was all dried up and the nurse lied him under the heat lamp. 

Taytum instantly became my life and we immediately saw his little personality. 

I was so excited to take Taytum Home. We were discharged from the hospital and made our home on January 7th at 3:30pm.

Once we got home, Logan took Taytum for the first time alone while I had a shower. He was a little bit nervous but did great. As setting into our new roles as parents.. Taytum's Auntie Crystal and Papa came over right away. Followed by Grandma with a fruit platter, our friend Jeff with dinner and lastly my sister Christina with some of our favourite treats!

My Labour and delivery was nothing I ever expected... but it was worth it.